Election timing up to Senate: Joyce

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce says it is up to the Senate whether there is an early federal election.

Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce says it is up to the Senate whether there is an early federal election. (AAP)

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce doesn't expect the nation to go to the polls before July, but says it's up to the Senate.

"If it becomes inoperable we have a constitutional right to go to a double dissolution and we will always keep that option up our sleeve," Mr Joyce told Sky News on Sunday.

He says the Senate should allow the government to get on with the job of turning the nation around to put it in a strong financial position.